Understanding Fire Marshal Responsibilities: What They Do and Why They Matter

Fire safety is a critical aspect of every workplace; yet, many people are unsure of what it truly means to be a fire marshal. Whether youre new to the workforce, stepping into a leadership role, or simply want to understand how your workplace stays safe, knowing the responsibilities of a fire marshal is essential. Fire marshals, also known as fire wardens, are trained individuals who play a vital role in preventing fires, preparing people for emergencies, and ensuring that everyone knows what to do in the event of a worst-case scenario.

The Evolving Role of the Fire Marshal

Fire marshals are not firefighters, but they are the first line of defence against fire risks in the workplace. Their responsibilities have grown as workplaces have become increasingly complex, with new challenges such as lithium battery fires and the need for inclusive evacuation plans. Today, fire marshals are expected to be proactive, not just reactive, and to take a leadership role in both day-to-day safety and emergency situations.

If you want a comprehensive overview of workplace fire safety responsibilities, the UK Government's official fire safety guidance is a great place to start.

Fire Marshal Responsibilities: Explained in Detail

A fire marshal plays a pivotal role in any organisations fire safety strategy. Far beyond the basics of sounding alarms or directing evacuations, their responsibilities span across proactive fire prevention, planning, real-time emergency response, and post-incident recovery. Today, fire risks have evolved in tandem with workplace trends, making fire marshals more essential than ever. Let's take a closer look at the core responsibilities of a fire marshal, broken down into four key pillars.

Fire Prevention: Staying Ahead of the Risk

The foundation of a fire marshal's role is prevention. This means regularly inspecting the workplace to identify and address any potential hazards that could cause or exacerbate a fire. For example, fire marshals check that fire exits are never blocked, electrical equipment isn't overloaded, and flammable materials are stored safely. These inspections are not just about ticking boxes; they are about spotting potential dangers before they become real threats.

A fire marshal also ensures all fire safety equipment, such as extinguishers and alarms, is in good working order. They keep a detailed logbook of their checks and actions, which is invaluable during health and safety audits or inspections. Just as importantly, fire marshals promote good habits among staff, encouraging everyone to keep escape routes clear, report hazards, and respect no-smoking areas. By fostering a culture of safety, fire marshals help prevent fires from starting in the first place.

Want to learn more about identifying and controlling hazards? Read Hurak's guide on the differences between risk control and hazard control.

Preparedness: Planning for Emergencies

No matter how careful everyone is, accidents can still happen. That's why fire marshals are responsible for making sure everyone knows what to do if a fire breaks out. They help develop and update the workplace's fire evacuation plan, ensuring it's tailored to the building's layout and the needs of all staff, including those with disabilities or mobility issues.

A big part of preparedness is running regular fire drills. These practice evacuations enable everyone to learn the escape routes and assembly points, and they help the fire marshal identify any potential problems, such as bottlenecks or confusion, that may arise during an actual evacuation. After each drill, the fire marshal reviews what happened and suggests improvements. In larger buildings or shared spaces, fire marshals may also coordinate with other teams to ensure a unified response.

For individuals who require additional support, fire marshals assist in creating Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs). These plans are crucial for ensuring that everyone can evacuate safely, regardless of their circumstances.

Take the next step toward becoming a trusted fire safety leader.

The Fire Marshal & Fire Warden Online Course by Hurak is designed to equip you with practical skills, legal understanding, and the confidence to lead evacuations, conduct risk assessments, and support workplace compliance. Whether you're just starting or stepping into a formal safety role, this CPD-accredited course is your foundation.

Emergency Response: Leading When It Counts

When a fire alarm sounds, the fire marshal's training is put to the test. Their job is to act quickly and calmly, raising the alarm if necessary and guiding everyone to safety. Fire marshals are often assigned specific areas to sweep, checking every room, corridor, and restroom to make sure no one is left behind. They are also trained to assist those who may be panicked or need extra help, ensuring a safe and orderly evacuation.

If it's safe to do so, fire marshals may use extinguishers to tackle small, contained fires, but their priority is always the safety of people, not property. Once outside, they assist in conducting roll calls and provide crucial information to the fire brigade, such as the location of the fire or any missing persons. Fire marshals are never expected to re-enter a building once evacuated unless instructed by emergency services.

If you're interested in taking your fire safety leadership further, the Fire Safety Manager Advanced Diploma from Hurak offers advanced training in managing fire risks and compliance across complex sites.

Post-Incident Review: Learning and Improving

After a fire drill or a real emergency, the fire marshal's work continues. They write a detailed report outlining what happened, what went well, and what could be improved. This reflection is crucial for refining the fire safety strategy and ensuring lessons are learned. Fire marshals may lead debriefing sessions, update signage, change assembly points, or adjust PEEPs based on the feedback received.

They are also responsible for ensuring that all fire systems and equipment are reset, replenished, or serviced as needed. For example, a used fire extinguisher should be replaced immediately, and any triggered alarms must be tested and reactivated. Fire marshals utilise these experiences to advocate for additional training or resources if gaps are identified, thereby helping to foster a culture of continuous safety improvement.

For more tips and best practices, visit Hurak's blog on fire safety at your workplace and fire safety tips for the workplace.

Fire Marshal Training: What Does It Involve?

Becoming a fire marshal doesn't require years of study, but it does require professional training. In the UK, fire marshal courses are widely available and usually take just a few hours. Training covers fire risk awareness, types of extinguishers, evacuation procedures, and UK fire safety law, especially the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Participants learn how to lead during emergencies, communicate clearly, and ensure legal compliance.

After completing the course, you'll receive a certificate, which is typically valid for three years. However, it's best practice to refresh your training every year or after significant changes in your workplace.

Looking to build a long-term career in health and safety?

The NEBOSH National General Certificate is a widely respected qualification that equips professionals with in-depth knowledge of UK safety laws, risk management, and compliance strategies. Ideal for supervisors, managers, or anyone stepping into a senior safety role.

Who Is Responsible for Enforcing Fire Safety?

In the UK, the employer or building owner, known as the responsible person, is legally required to ensure fire safety rules are followed. This includes appointing and training fire marshals, keeping exits clear, and making sure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. The law doesn't specify an exact number of fire marshals, but a standard guideline is one fire marshal for every 20 employees in low-risk environments, with more marshals being required in higher-risk settings.

For a full explanation of your legal duties, visit the official government fire safety page.

Why Become a Fire Marshal?

Taking on the role of fire marshal is an excellent way to develop leadership, communication, and crisis management skills. It demonstrates your concern for your colleagues safety and can help you stand out in your career. For employers, having well-trained fire marshals is not just about legal compliance; it's about creating a safer, more confident, and productive workplace.

Conclusion

Fire marshals are the unsung heroes who keep workplaces safe and secure. Their work in prevention, preparedness, emergency response, and ongoing improvement protects lives and helps organisations meet their legal responsibilities. Whether you're thinking about becoming a fire marshal or simply want to understand workplace safety, learning about these responsibilities is a decisive step toward a safer future for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do fire marshal responsibilities include?

Fire marshals are responsible for conducting risk assessments, organising fire drills, inspecting equipment, planning evacuations, and providing support during emergencies. They help ensure legal compliance and workplace safety.

Who is responsible for enforcing fire safety?

The Responsible Person (usually the employer or building owner) is legally accountable. Fire marshals assist by carrying out day-to-day fire safety duties.

How many fire marshals are needed in a workplace?

It depends on size and risk level:

• Low risk: 1 per 50 people

• Medium risk: 1 per 20

• High risk: 1 per 15

Adjust for shifts and multiple floors.

What does FED stand for in fire safety?

FED means Fractional Effective Dose. It measures toxic gas exposure during fires, mainly used in technical assessments, not daily fire marshal tasks.

Is fire marshal training required?

Yes. UK law requires trained and competent persons for fire safety. Fire marshal training meets this legal requirement.

Explore popular Fire Marshal Courses on Hurak.

Looking to expand your skills and boost your workplace credentials? At Hurak, we offer a wide range of practical, accredited fire safety courses designed to keep you informed, compliant, and confident, whether you're just starting or stepping into a new role. Here are some popular options to help you grow in your career:

Fire Safety Manager Advanced Diploma: An expert-level course for managing fire safety strategies, risk assessments, and legal compliance across complex sites.

Fire Marshal Course: Learn the legal duties and emergency procedures expected of a certified fire marshal.

NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety: A globally recognised qualification that equips professionals to identify fire risks, implement controls, and ensure legal compliance in the workplace.